The structural, biochemical and clinical events related to menstruation, implantation, parturition, endometriosis, abnormal uterine bleeding and endometrial cancer are discussed in this comprehensive volume on the biological functions of the endometrium. New topics, such as the biochemical and molecular mechanisms regulating maternal embryonic interaction, are explored, and gynecologic endoscopy and therapeutic tools are discussed. The proceedings of the first conference is also available from the Academy, as volume 622 of The Annals of The New York Academy of Science.

The Endometrium is devoted to a comprehensive multi-disciplinary account of the uterine endometrium. This book is the first to define the regulatory biological interrelationships between epithelial and stromal cell phenotypes, endothelial cells, extracellular matrix and immunobiological elements. It highlights their relevance to clinical conditions

Papers from the September 1993 conference report results of research on in vitro tissue fragments, homogeneous preparations of cells, proliferation and differentiation of endometrial cells, vascularization and hemostasis, human blastocyst implantation, contraception and hormonal replacement, embryo receptivity, pregnancy, endometrial cancer, and gynecologic endoscopy. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The Eighth Brook Lodge Conference on Problems of Reproductive Physiology is the latest in a series of small meetings held over 18 years. The topics for trlese meetings have reflected the changing interests and backgrounds of the organizers. The recent rapidly increasing quantity of information on the uterine endometrium and its continuing relevance to fertility control stimulated the organizers to focus the 1979 workshop on this topic. The first four speakers provided a histological background for the molecular and biochemical studies described subsequently. The interaction of biochemist, physiologist, pathologist and physician as they focus their thoughts and talents on this limited area of the body is apparent in the dis cussions of presentations. This workshop was planned to provide in sight and a sense of proportion for the participants. For the reader, the record of the proceedings should serve as a useful reference to the state of the art in this area of research. The uterine endometrium is central in the successful implantation and development of the embryo. Examination of the physical relation ships, biochemical interactions and hormonal influences in this tissue could further advance the understanding of this pivotal tissue in the reproductive process. The depth of the understanding of endo metrial physiology should be reflected in our ability to better con trol this reproductive endpoint and to treat its dysfunction. The efforts of many individuals made these Proceedings possible.

Although the physiology of the menstrual cycle appears clear and easily explained by a balance in the concentration of various sex steroid hormones, numerous details of its mechanism are still poorly understood and little is known about the relationship among clinical events, plasma hormone concentrations, molecular impacts on target tissues and their regulation. In the following chapters, the authors have attempted to establish a correlation between endometrial histology and well-understood physiologic events of the menstrual cycle. They have provided up-to-date information on the effects of various hormones and combinations of hormones on the endometrium. The interdependence of endometrial morphology, molecular biology, endocrinology and physiology, provides grounds for a better understanding of the complex mechanism of the menstrual cycle, and sheds some light on its pathophysiology. Such an approach adds ariother dimension to interpretation of many menstrual abnormalities and numerous aspects of infertility in women with normal physiognomies and apparently regular menstrual cycles. The pathologist must be aware of these new concepts since a knowledge of functional changes reflected in hormone serum levels and sex steroid receptor concentrations allows a mare detailed analysis and a better interpretation of the structural features of the endometrium. This information placed in the proper clinical context can help the gynecologist provide optimal therapy. The reader will find a valuable reference for a synthesis of clinical, morphological, and biochemical data related to the menstrual cycle and its aberrations.

This volume contains information and recipe-style techniques for culturing different types of epithelial cells.